Driver Licenses & ID Cards

District County – Attorney Mobile 20 2019 February

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security REAL ID Act became effective nationwide in 2008, mandating new standards for the issuance of driver licenses and identification cards. Florida began issuing REAL ID-compliant credentials January 1, 2010. New driver licenses and ID cards have a star in the upper right corner of the card, indicating that they are REAL ID-compliant. As part of the REAL ID Act, there are documentation requirements for residents renewing or obtaining a new driver license or ID card. For the first in-office issuance after January 1, 2010, customers must bring original documents that validate their identity, Social Security Number (SSN) and residential address.

Customers must visit an office with the required documents if:

They are applying for their first driver license or ID card;

Their current credential expires, their last renewal was completed through the mail or online and their current driver license or ID card does not have a star in the upper corner; or

They have legally changed their name since their last issuance (e.g., by marriage, divorce or court order).

The name(s) on their marriage certificate(s) or court order must show how their birth name was changed to their current name.

If their name has changed multiple times and the document they provide shows their current name and their birth name, they need only bring the final name change document.

If the final marriage certificate does not have both names, they will need to bring all documents that show how their name changed from birth name to current name.

Customers may be eligible to renew their license online; however, the FLHSMV encourages customers without REAL ID-compliant driver licenses or ID cards to renew in an office.

Note: In accordance with the REAL ID Act, once a customer provides the required identity documents, they will only need to provide them again if their information changes (e.g., name, residential address). After October 1, 2020, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will only accept driver licenses and ID cards with a star in the upper right corner as proof of identification at airports. Individuals currently seeking access to military bases and most Federal facilities must present REAL ID-compliant identification. A United States passport may also be used in place of a REAL ID-compliant card for official identification.

Note:

Information regarding the REAL ID required documents can be found by selecting the applicable citizenship status below.